Remove built-in Windows 10 apps for all users using PowerShell Script

Since Windows 10 started rolling out, it came with pre-installed apps. Some of these apps are essential for consumers, while some apps are installed from advertisement perspective. There are multiple reasons why Microsoft adds apps even when you upgrade from one version to another – but it can be removed. In this guide, we will learn, how to remove built-in Windows 10 apps using a readymade PowerShell Script from TechNet Gallery.

Microsoft sells Windows to Enterprise as well, and there is no place for any pre-installed apps. They are restricted by companies policies, and only the approved apps are allowed to be installed, and available.

Remove built-in Windows 10 apps using PowerShell

Both of these instructions work perfectly, but there are some drawbacks. Some of the apps like Cortana, Edge, etc. cannot be removed as they are essential for the complete experience. Also, the first method might leave some broken links on the start menu.

Remove the apps from the ISO file

This solution works on Windows 10 machines, where you are going to install it fresh. We will have to remove the apps from the ISO file, and then install it, so none of those apps get installed on the first hand.

This PowerShell script takes a simple list of Apps and then removes the Apps from the default install.wim. Afterward, the WIM image can be used for distribution with Configuration Manager or similar solutions. When the script starts, WIM-Image is automatically mounted to a temporary directory. Afterward, all preinstalled apps are read out and subsequently uninstalled.

Note: This method is only for power users who understand the level of technicality.

Here is a video followed by instructions:

Example Commands:

.\removeapps.ps1 -pathtowim c:\10\install.wim

.\removeapps.ps1 -pathtowim c:\10\install.wim -selectapps $true

.\removeapps.ps1 -pathtowim c:\10\install.wim -select $true -index 2

There is one major drawback though. Post OS installation, or whenever you add a new user, the start menu will be full of invalid shortcuts with just the name of the removed app in the square. It will look like “P~Microsoft.SkypeApp_kzf8qxf38zg5c!App”. This bug is yet to be answered, but its there, and is annoying.

Uninstalling Apps post-Windows 10 installation

If you just thought that uninstall option is good enough, it doesn’t let you remove few of the most important built-in apps easily.

To get this sorted, we will have to use PowerShell with an administrator account. Follow the steps below:

Use Windows+X, and then choose the “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” option from the Power User menu.

After an interactive confirm dialogue, PowerShell will complete permission will load up.

Next, copy paste one of the following commands, and hit return.

Post this, the app will be uninstalled, and it will uninstall for all the users.

You may have to install the app again from the store.

Uninstall Calculator:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscalculator* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall 3D Builder:

Get-AppxPackage *3dbuilder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Calendar and Mail:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Alarms and Clock:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsalarms* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Camera:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscamera* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Get Office:

Get-AppxPackage *officehub* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Get Started:

Get-AppxPackage *getstarted* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Get Skype:

Get-AppxPackage *skypeapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Groove Music:

Get-AppxPackage *zunemusic* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Maps:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsmaps* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Microsoft Solitaire Collection:

Get-AppxPackage *solitairecollection* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Money:

Get-AppxPackage *bingfinance* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Movies & TV:

Get-AppxPackage *zunevideo* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall News:

Get-AppxPackage *bingnews* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall OneNote:

Get-AppxPackage *onenote* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall People:

Get-AppxPackage *people* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Phone Companion:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsphone* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Photos:

Get-AppxPackage *photos* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Sports:

Get-AppxPackage *bingsports* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Store:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Voice Recorder:

Get-AppxPackage *soundrecorder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Weather:

Get-AppxPackage *bingweather* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Xbox:

Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

The good thing is that even if emove Built-in apps from Windows 10 using PowerShell, they can always be installed back from the store. Unlike Windows 7, Windows 10 offers Microsoft Store which is a central place to install and update all the apps on your PC.

Since we are restricting the guide to use PowerShell, these two are the best methods to complete the tasks.